Thanks to the intelligent linking of the driver and his vehicle with the wider world, BMW ConnectedDrive is able to create fascinating possibilities for boosting comfort and safety as well as optimising the use of infotainment functions. BMW ConnectedDrive also takes the global lead when it comes to connecting smartphones and music players in the car.

At the 2010 Paris Motor Show, BMW will showcase:

iDrive's navigation module will now work with Google's Panoramio service, and will download images of destinations to provide driver with additional navigational aid. The navigation module can also provide drivers with current European weather and temperature information updated at two-hourly intervals, at map scales starting from 1cm to 20km.

BlackBerry smartphones in the car, which among other things permits the display of emails including the text-to-speech function. The first BlackBerry to support this feature from launch is the Pearl 3G 9105. Calendar entries, SMS, tasks, and memos can also be accessed not only from a BlackBerry but from a list of compatible smart phones. Any image file accompanying a stored contact can be displayed on the on-board monitor, for example when there is an incoming call.

BMW also presents the new Bluetooth interface technology that was created for the Apple iOS 4 operating system and allows the new Apple iPhone 4 to be integrated, among other devices.

For BMWs not equipped with iDrive, there is now a dock which can be equpped on 1-Series, 3-Series, Z4, X1, new X3 and outgoing X3. The dock allows an iPhone to be docked cable-free and comes with a handsfree kit with a directional microphone, a radio mute function for incoming calls, and a charging function. To complete the whole pseudo-iDrive experience, BMW will be releasing an iPhone app soon called BMW Link, which is sort of an in-car interface for your iPhone. Other than your usual telephony and music player functions, BMW Link also offers certain services from BMW ConnectedDrive such as breakdown assistance.

Also on show is the iPod Out function, which optimises the operation of various Apple music players in the vehicle. BMW says they've now changed the way ConnectedDrive interfaces with iOS devices to the new iPod Out system to ensure future devices can be used with theBMw on a long term basis. iDrive's audio player can now also display Cover Art on the on board monitor.

New possibilities for online use are opened up by the WiFi hotspot function that provides rear-seat passengers using a notebook or iPad with wireless internet access while on the move.

An iPad holder, has been added to the optional Travel & Comfort System, which functions as the base carrier where holders can be hooked on. This Travel & Comfort system will debut with the new BMW X3 and will be available for all other models from Spring 2011. The iPad holder can be turned 90 degrees for a vertical or horizontal display, and tilt angle can be adjusted in the vertical mode. [Some info courtesy of Paul Tan]

Calendar entries, SMS, tasks, and memos can also be accessed not only from a BlackBerry but from a list of compatible smart phones. Any image file accompanying a stored contact can be displayed on the on-board monitor, for example when there is an incoming call.

Does any one know where to find this "list of compatible smart phones"?

Hey masamune, maxnix and all you other Apple haters, not sure if you really read this article but Apple products are one of the products supported among "other devices". Not sure why you think they're overpriced when your driving new BMW's, I would think you understand the difference between high end and low end products. Having a proprietary operating system is to ensure that the user experience is the best it can be which has been Apples philosophy they've stuck with from the beginning and BMW obviously recognizes for their customers. I think they've proven this considering everyone else in the biz just waits for their new products to launch and copies them like your beloved Android and all the tablet devices being released. Funny how PC tablets came out years ago, but never got off the ground until the ipad which is now cannibalizing notebook sales. http://www.macrumors.com/2010/09/17/...-retail-sales/. Do you really think this is due to their "overpricing" and proprietary software? I doubt you'd be so concerned if you'd picked up some of their stock a year ago.

Will there be anyway of retrofitting these new ConnectedDrive features onto '09-'11 iDrives? Wasn't there a way of retrofitting the '09-'11 iDrive onto cars with 3rd gen iDrive?

Sounds like there is going to be new hardware for at least parts of the new system (album art/etc requires a new 6FL module) so it's hard to tell at this point if the other features will be software or hardware. It's likely that the majority will require a physical upgrade to your car, and if that's true it's also likely that BMW will not officially support that type of retrofit so you'll have to find a workaround like the current iDrive onto 3rd gen cars.

Do we know if the US will get things like the eMail? And will we be able to reply to an email with our voice?

With the new AirPlay annoucement from Apple, Im hoping we will be able to play music and Pandora from our Iphones/Ipads wirelessly! Im sure thats the next step. Just hoping it wont take 10 years to get into cars...

Do we know if the US will get things like the eMail? And will we be able to reply to an email with our voice?

With the new AirPlay annoucement from Apple, Im hoping we will be able to play music and Pandora from our Iphones/Ipads wirelessly! Im sure thats the next step. Just hoping it wont take 10 years to get into cars...

D

I believe 2011.5 cars get the email feature for blackberries only. And you can now play music wirelessly via bluetooth if your car was built this month and later.

it is unfortunate that the android wont be compatible but at the same time its cool that BMW is starting to integrate technology into the car like this. Could have done a bit more with the ipad "holder" though, the aesthetic value isn't too high lol

it is unfortunate that the android wont be compatible but at the same time its cool that BMW is starting to integrate technology into the car like this. Could have done a bit more with the ipad "holder" though, the aesthetic value isn't too high lol

no worries dude, im sure someone will develop an app for android phones to sync up with the bmw connectedrive. thats the beauty of android and open source